Since its debut in 2007, the Assassin's Creed series has taken players on a thrilling journey through various historical periods, from Renaissance Italy to Ancient Greece. Ubisoft's open-world approach has set the series apart in the gaming genre, blending conspiracy-laden narratives with educational glimpses into the past. Unlike many games that focus on fantasy or modern settings, Assassin's Creed offers a unique experience by exploring different eras, making each installment a semi-educational adventure.
While the core elements of Assassin's Creed have remained consistent across its 14 mainline entries, the series has evolved significantly. Changes include revamped player progression systems and increasingly expansive worlds. Yet, the question remains: which Assassin's Creed games stand out as the best? After much discussion and debate, we've compiled a list of the top 10 mainline entries in the series.
So, without further ado, here are our top 10 Assassin’s Creed games.
The 10 Best Assassin's Creed Games
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Playing the latest game in the series? Check out our Assassin's Creed Shadows guide.
Assassin's Creed: Revelations
Assassin’s Creed: Revelations serves as a poignant conclusion to the stories of Altair Ibn-La-Ahad and Ezio Auditore. Despite some less impactful additions like the Den Defense mode, it delivers a thrilling send-off. From ziplining through Constantinople to encountering Leonardo Da Vinci, Revelations is packed with engaging adventures. This final chapter not only celebrates the legacy of these iconic characters but also hints at the future direction of the series, allowing players to bid farewell to the first era of Assassin's Creed.
Assassin's Creed Syndicate
Assassin’s Creed games are renowned for their immersive settings, and Syndicate's depiction of 19th Century Victorian London during the Industrial Revolution is particularly memorable. Players can sneak through factories, race horse-drawn carriages, and even confront Jack the Ripper, grounding the game in a setting that feels both fantastical and real. The game's string-heavy score by Journey composer Austin Wintory adds a unique auditory layer, with distinct themes for protagonists Jacob and Evie Fry. This attention to detail, along with effective combat mechanics using a cane, makes Syndicate stand out.
Assassin's Creed Valhalla
While not as revolutionary as Origins, Valhalla introduces significant changes, including more impactful combat and a shift from traditional side quests to world events, enhancing the exploration experience. The game also streamlines the loot system, making rewards feel more meaningful. Protagonist Eivor's story blends historical fantasy with Norse mythology, offering a rich narrative. Fans of Norse lore will enjoy the integration of sagas into the main campaign and a full expansion set in the world of Thor and Odin, giving Valhalla a God of War-like feel.
Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood
Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood continues Ezio Auditore's saga, cementing him as a beloved protagonist. Set in an expanded version of Rome and its surrounding countryside, the game builds on the mechanics introduced in Assassin's Creed 2, including swimming, property management, firearms, and recruitable allies. Ezio's story is filled with charm, wit, and drama, and the updated combat system allows players to embrace a more aggressive assassin role. Brotherhood also introduced multiplayer, letting players compete as Templars, which added a new dimension to the series.
Assassin's Creed Origins
Origins marks a pivotal shift in the series, transforming it from a stealth-focused action-adventure into a full-fledged open-world RPG. Set in ancient Egypt, the game follows Bayek and Aya, whose quest for justice leads to the founding of the Assassin's Brotherhood. The expansive world, compelling narrative, and shift to loot-based progression and action RPG combat reinvigorated the series, offering a fresh yet true-to-form Assassin's Creed experience.
Assassin's Creed Unity
Assassin’s Creed Unity marked a return to the series' roots with its focus on stealth and assassination. As the first Assassin's Creed game released exclusively for next-gen consoles, it showcased stunning graphics and detailed recreations of Paris. Despite a rocky launch plagued by bugs and glitches, subsequent patches have elevated Unity to a fan favorite. Its enhanced movement system offers the most fluid parkour in the series, and the assassination missions are among the best, providing multiple infiltration options and a chance to explore iconic landmarks like Notre Dame.
Assassin's Creed Shadows
Developer: Ubisoft Quebec | Publisher: Ubisoft | Release date: March 20, 2025 | Review: Read IGN's Assassin's Creed Shadows review
Set in Feudal Japan, Assassin's Creed Shadows fulfills fans' long-standing desire to explore the Sengoku period. The game refocuses on stealth and assassination, offering a more restrained open world compared to its predecessors. Featuring two playable protagonists, Naoe and Yasuke, Shadows provides diverse gameplay experiences. Naoe's stealth abilities and Yasuke's combat prowess offer players a chance to explore a dynamically changing world that captures the essence of feudal Japan.
Assassin's Creed Odyssey
Assassin's Creed Odyssey builds on Origins' RPG elements, setting them against the backdrop of Ancient Greece during the Peloponnesian War. The game features expansive landscapes and engaging naval warfare, creating a vibrant and immersive world. The notoriety system and nation struggle mechanics add tension and strategic depth, while the charismatic protagonist and compelling narrative make for an unforgettable experience. Even after completing the main story, there's much to explore and discover in Odyssey's world.
Assassin's Creed 2
Assassin's Creed 2 not only refined the series' formula but also introduced Ezio Auditore da Firenze, an iconic protagonist. Set during the Italian Renaissance, the game offered more dynamic assassination missions, enhanced combat, and the ability to swim. New features like catacomb missions and an upgradeable villa added depth, while Leonardo da Vinci's inventions kept gameplay fresh. The narrative brilliantly connected the past and present, culminating in an unforgettable ending that showcased the series' potential.
Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag
Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag introduces Edward Kenway, a pirate first and an assassin second, offering a unique take on the series. Set in the Caribbean, the game transforms the region into a sandbox playground filled with treasure and adventures. The naval combat, an expansion of Assassin's Creed 3's mechanics, becomes the highlight, allowing players to engage in thrilling ship battles. The seamless transition between land and sea, combined with engaging pirate-themed activities, makes Black Flag not only a standout Assassin's Creed game but also one of the best pirate games available.
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And there you have it! Those are our top Assassin’s Creed games. Disagree with the ranking? Think another entry should have been on the list? Let us know your favorite Assassin’s Creed in the comments.
Upcoming Assassin's Creed Games
If you're eager to see what's next in the world of Assassin's Creed, keep an eye on upcoming titles. Assassin's Creed Shadows has just been released, allowing players to explore Feudal Japan as a shinobi or samurai. Assassin's Creed Jade, set in ancient China, is in development for mobile devices, though a release date is yet to be confirmed. Additionally, Assassin's Creed: Codename Hexe promises a mysterious and occult-themed adventure, bringing fresh ideas to the series.
Assassin's Creed: The Complete Playlist
From the 2007 debut to the latest console, PC, mobile, and VR projects, here is the entire Assassin's Creed series in one list. Log in to track which ones you've played. See All!
